idioms involving “thumb”

Stick out like a sore thumb

To be very noticeable, very different

“Everyone wore business attire except Tajima-san, who stuck out like a sore thumb in a T-shirt and jeans.”

Under someone’s thumb

To be under someone’s control

“The board of directors is completely under the thumb of the CEO and agrees with everything he says.”

All thumbs

Clumsy, inept

“Sakurai-san is an excellent office manager but is all thumbs on a computer keypad.”

Thumbs up

Approval

“Several film critics have given Hayashi-san’s new film a thumbs up so the theaters will be full this weekend. Note: “Thumbs down” indicates disapproval.

Twiddle one’s thumbs

To waste time, achieve nothing

“It’s a shame that we sit here twiddling our thumbs every day while we wait for our boss to arrive and start the meeting.”